Many studies have
found that there are differences in the bullying experiences
of boys and girls. Most of the studies covered here have
found that it is more common for boys to be involved in
physical bullying. Girls on the other hand are more likely
than boys to be involved in psychological bullying
(for example ignoring someone or deliberately keeping someone
out of a group). However, for both boys and girls, the most
common type of bullying is verbal..........................................

Comment

The research finding
that boys are more likely to be involved in physical bullying
than girls is unsurprising. However, we should not assume
that because of this, bullying among boys is more serious
or damaging than that among girls. It could be that the
more obvious methods of bullying used by boys makes it easier
to spot - and to stop - than the subtlety of girls' bullying.

It is also worth noting
that many of the cases of suicide where bullying has been
identified as a cause, have involved girls who have not
been physically bullied but 'only' subjected to name-calling
and isolation.

This is one of those
areas that really does need more research. Another relates
to the differing levels of peer support available to older
boys and girls. Is it really true (as I and others have
observed) that teenage girls are more likely than teenage
boys, to have the emotional support of a close friend? And,
if this is true, does this then mean that a girl who does
not have a 'best friend' will feel far more isolated
and inadequate than a friendless boy?
(Andrew Mellor).........................................

Do
you want to find out more?

More 1 - 16,000 children surveyed in Strathclyde
More 2 - Sheffield study
More 3 - study in 19 English schools
More 4 - 1987 Scottish survey
More 5 - 26,000 Australian children surveyed More 6 - study in
25 English schools
More 7 - study in 120 Northern Ireland schoolsMore 1 - 7 on one page!.........................................